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homura (DarkMudkip/Jikkah)

“Huh.” Ebisu wondered if the men she would entertain would be the same way- probably not, Akatsuru was their most expensive and experienced oiran.
 
"Daijoubu." Akatsuru took her hand gently, giving a soft smile, "If it becomes too much for you, I'll ask the Madam if I can buy your contract." Could she even do that? Take a debt on top of her own?
 
Ebisu stared at her in shock before shaking her head. “No, no, please- such a thing wouldn’t be necessary..!” Not necessary and would mean she’d immediately fail her mission. “Thank you though, Akatsuru, that’s very kind of you..” She said, squeezing her hand gently.
 
"Did you know, Ebi..." She looked back at her mirror, keeping ahold of her hand, "When I was first training, I wanted to take my own life... because the idea of having a man touch me sickened me to my soul...but I told myself that surely there would be another like me...another girl scared and alone...and I promised to keep going for them..." She looked at all the expensive things she owned with a frown, "that way they could have a friend when I didn't.."
 
Ebisu felt her cheeks flush- feeling like she had just been read like a book. She had never found such an interest in men before, never once desired to be with one, but figured that was normal and how every woman felt about men. It wasn’t until recently that she realized that perhaps the reason she didn’t desire men was because she desired women. “I’m not alone, Akatsuru.. I have you here.” She said softly. “And I have my family back home… Both of those are more than enough for me..” She held firmly to her hand, looking down at her lap. “If I have those, then surely I can make it through anything here.”
 
"I'm glad." She said gently, "I don't have a family back home, where ever that was. But I'm glad to have you, and to know you. You're very dear to me."
 
Ebisu found herself unable to look Akatsuru in the eyes, heart pounding in her chest, nodding her head like a fool. “Th-Thank you.. Akatsuru.. you’re dear to me too..”
 
Ebisu nodded and stayed at her side like an obedient puppy.
Once the day came that she would officially be up for sale, she was bathed thoroughly, face painted and hair done the best it could be at her short length. She wore the fine kimono she was loaned, not yet having the money to buy her own, then she was set out on the sales floor with the other women.
 
Akatsuru was with them, just to show that she was accepting new clients. She was always done up so elegantly, like a master work of art. A government official made a show to point to Akatsuru, in hopes of buying her, but the Madam scowled gently and shook her head. Could he not afford her?
 
Ebisu found most men couldn’t afford to buy a night with Akatsuru, but they would still try regardless. She couldn’t help but glance his way a few times, sitting silently with the rest of the oiran in wait for him to either pick another or move on.
 
That was when he pointed at Ebisu, and the Madam made a face before nodding. She took his money and locked eyes with Ebisu, nudging her head for her to come.
 
Ebisu obeyed immediately, standing carefully, smoothing the skirt of her kimono and moving over to the Madam and the client. She bowed her head to him when she reached the two, hands clasped carefully in front of her. “It’s my pleasure to serve you tonight, Master.” She said softly.
 
He grumbled irately, "Just take me to your room." He huffed. When Ebisu turned, Akatsuru was watching her with sad eyes, but managed a smile when their eyes met.
 
Ebisu managed a soft smile back before she left with the client, walking him down the hall to her bedroom, opening the door for him to let him in. “Would you like anything to drink? Tea or hot sake?” She offered.
 
“Of course.” She closed the door behind them, moving to the bottle of sake kept in her room for clients and moving over to kneel before him. She set down the tray and carefully poured him a cup before offering it to him, keeping a fake smile on her face while doing so. “Would the Master also like entertainment? I know how to play the shamisen if it pleases.”
 
Ebisu bowed her head to him. “Please forgive me, Master, I’m still learning those two, so I don’t feel confident enough to offer playing them yet.” Of course he would find something to knit pick at.
Her face was decent enough, a bit boyish, but still pretty.
 
He huffed, obviously very sour about not being able to be with Akatsuru instead. By his garb, he was rather low in status for a government offical; poor bastard, no wonder he was put off.
 
Ebisu sat there with a smile on her face, still holding his alcohol for him, a bit nervous. He was so off putting she could see why the Madam was reluctant to allow him near Akatsuru. She set the alcohol down beside him and moved closer to him, resting her hand on his knee. “Please don’t look so tense, Master.” She said softly. “How can I be of service to you?”
 
She picked up the sake bottle and offered to pour him another drink, keeping her smile. “Forgive me, I’m afraid that’s something I can’t be.” She said softly. With any luck, she’d just get him drunk and she’d only have to listen to him gripe about not getting to sleep with Akatsuru.
 
Something about him made her skin crawl, something was terribly off about him. She only poured him another drink. “Please let me do right by the Madam, she meant no disrespect. I promise to treat you kindly.” He had wanted Akatsuru, but all the Madam would allow him to buy was Ebisu. By the look of her, she had been some kind of laborer, tan skin and firm hands. Was that all his money was good for? The lowly workers he resided over?
 
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